This year, we hope to broaden the question; to look at some aspects of the future of the Human Race – not the geopolitical future of everything but of just (?) being human, whatever that means for us and others. Religion or no religion we all share this characteristic.

Accepting that most of us continue to create our own Gods, as societies and individuals, and that our lives and the lives of others are driven in part by these, let us look at some; Consumerism, Greed, Knowledge, Power Politics. Despite these, or perhaps through them, what makes us human? Do we make and control our Gods or do they make and control us? What values can and should survive?

Can our feelings of compassion, empathy, ethics, morality, survive in the face of the increasing and seemingly de-humanising pressures and demands of the IT age?

Abby Day is Reader in Race, Faith and Culture at Goldsmiths College, London. She writes and teaches on the relationship of religion to other aspects of culture.

Dilwar Hussain is Chair of New Horizons in British Islam, a charity that works on Muslim identity, integration and reform; Research Fellow at the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations, University of Coventry and Lecturer at the University of Leicester.

Richy Thompson is the Humanist UK’s Director of Public Affairs and Policy and Treasurer of the Religious Education Council of England and Wales. During his time at Humanist UK, he has proven himself as a formidable campaigner, achieving widespread media coverage and policy change.

The conference takes place in the Stamford Court Conference Centre. Accommodation is in student halls of residence, close by. You may alternatively attend as a non resident, full or part time. Full details on the booking form